Day 24 of the Joshlin Smith trial resumes today with the cross-examination of Captain Phillip Seekoei, whose testimony last week Friday capped a tense session dominated by conflicting accounts, video evidence, and judicial scrutiny over how police obtained statements from the accused.
What to expect from the Joshlin Smith trial on Day 24
Seekoei, who recorded one of Steveno van Rhyn’s two alleged confessions on 5 March 2024, maintained under state-led examination that the interaction was voluntary and procedurally sound.
He testified that Steveno was read his rights, asked about any injuries, and voluntarily signed off on the statement.
However, the session ended with Judge Nathan Erasmus ordering Seekoei to return for cross-examination, allowing the defence time to consult with their client over inconsistencies in the confession video.
Coming into Day 24, the court is expected to see Advocate Nobahle Mkabayi, representing Steveno, launch a detailed cross-examination of Captain Seekoei. The defence is likely to probe omissions in the transcript of the confession, Seekoei’s failure to review Steveno’s J88 medical report, and the visible signs of distress or injury during the recording.
Judge Erasmus previously noted that Steveno was limping in the footage and had visible marks on his forearms—details absent from Seekoei’s initial testimony.
Readers can follow the live trial coverage today as the courtroom battle intensifies.
Recap of Day 23: Key testimonies and new revelations
The previous day also saw significant developments regarding co-accused Jacquen Appollis, whose own confession video was played in court.
Taken by Colonel Pretorius and recorded by Warrant Officer Masibuko Meyi, the footage showed Jacquen appearing coherent and physically more stable than Steveno.
Jacquen described how Kelly Smith allegedly instructed him to take Joshlin to Phumza Sigaqa—referred to as Ma Ka Lima—who, according to Jacquen, had agreed to a R20,000 payment.
Jacquen stated that both he and Steveno left Joshlin at Phumza’s house while she played with other children.
In the courtroom, Jacquen was seen pointing out his own injuries—including a bruised eye, swollen foot, and bandaged knee—while being recorded.
These injuries have become a focal point in the ongoing trial-within-a-trial, which aims to determine whether the accused’s statements were obtained lawfully.
Day 23 also included medical testimony from Dr Tania Zimri, who conducted a post-confession examination of Steveno.
She confirmed previous injuries on his knees, elbows, and wrists, which were healing and likely more than 24 hours old.
While she noted that police were present during her examination, she denied observing any fresh injuries or signs of torture.
The trial now hinges on the credibility of these confession videos. The state insists they contain material admissions that support charges of kidnapping and child trafficking.
However, both accused have since claimed that the statements were coerced and do not reflect their actual knowledge.
With Seekoei’s cross-examination scheduled for today and Jacquen’s contested confession still under judicial review, Day 24 is expected to be a pivotal chapter in the trial-within-a-trial phase. T
he defence is anticipated to challenge not just the content of the confessions but the entire environment in which they were made.